Resources and Guidance

Nomenclature

Recognize that using specific tribal affiliations (e.g., “Blackfeet,” “Crow,” “Assiniboine,” “Sioux”) to refer to Indigenous peoples and communities is more relevant and respectful than using generic (e.g., “Indigenous,” “Native American”) terms.  Generally, the best approach is to use terms Nations and communities have traditionally used for themselves (e.g., “Piikani,” “Apsaalooke,” “Nakona,” “Dakota”).  In a proposal, you may wish to use tribal affiliations when referring to specific examples or partners (e.g., “Blackfeet/Piikani,” “Crow/Apsaalooke”) and “Indigenous” for broader descriptions, as recommended by leading scholars.  The use of “Indigenous” encourages solidarity across political borders and contexts, while specific affiliations recognize unique contexts, experiences, and histories.  Note that many residents of “Indian Country” refer to themselves as Indians, or American Indians if they’re not using their specific tribal identification.  “Native American” is more often used in academic settings (viz. Native American Studies) but Indigenous is increasingly displacing Native American when a general term is required.

We recommend you make your nomenclature choices transparent to funders, and explain why you are choosing to use a certain term.  If the funder uses one term but you want to use another, explain that you're using terminology favored by your Indigenous community partner(s) (you'll want to follow their lead whenever possible).

Rules for conducting research with Indigenous communities or on Native lands in Montana

  • Tribal (College) IRBs
    Bear in mind that tribal IRBs are part of sovereign governance structures.  Their requirements can be different or more challenging.  Assume that the relevant IRB governs research on the whole reservation, not just the tribal college, unless you're informed otherwise.  Some Tribal IRBs govern any research, not just human subjects research (see CSKT resolution below).  Many have requirements and review procedures that go well beyong other instituional IRBs (such as at MSU).  For example, they may require review of any presentation or publication content prior to public release.  They may also go beyond individual human subject welfare to consider a research project's implications for the broader tribal community or cultural integrity.
    In general, the MSU IRB requires you to have the authorization of a tribal IRB before it signs off (and you generally should have both), though rules may vary in terms of which IRB reviews first.
    Tribal IRB timelines can be much longer than MSUs IRB so it is imperative to plan well ahead.  Some of the Tribal IRBs require payment of fees to review your proposed research.
  • Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes research policy statement

Organizations

Montana's 12 Tribes and 7 Reservation-Based Tribal Colleges